2018 Kayak-A-Thon to be a ‘casual float’

Race portion eliminated from event

Local paddlers will wet their boats again June 23 in the eighth annual Black River Kayak-A-Thon.

The event started as a way to showcase ecological restoration work along the Black River.

Dates and courses have evolved over the years, and 2018 is no different.

This year’s event will eliminate the race.

The day will be a casual float, not a competitive one, said Kathryn Golden, storm water manager in the city of Lorain’s Engineering Department.

“We have removed the race portion of the event,” Golden said. “It is now simply a float.”

In recent years, the city Engineering and Utilities departments have led efforts to obtain federal grant money to help pay for environmental rehabilitation along the riverbanks.

Based on turnout for previous Kayak-A-Thons, the race generally did not grow and some race classes were empty, Golden said.

Cutting the competitive side will help sustain the paddling day for the future, she said.

“I think it’s the right decision to just do the float because, really, this is just about enjoying the river,” Golden said.

Participants should note registration will take place at the Lorain Port Authority’s Black River Wharf, the boat launch facility off 14th Street in Lorain.

The float will have a four-mile course running from the French Creek launch in Sheffield Village to Black River Wharf.

Participants should drop off their boats at the French Creek launch, then drive to Black River Wharf to sign up.

Registration starts at 9 a.m.

Shuttle buses will transport paddlers back to the French Creek launch for the start.

A mandatory safety meeting will start at 11 a.m. at the French Creek launch. The float begins at 11:15 a.m.